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Liposome Science

Guide to Identifying
High-Quality Liposomal Supplements

We have spent years researching the best formulation techniques and manufacturing processes for liposome encapsulated supplements. We work with some of the top liposome experts in the country, and they can evaluate the quality of a liposomal product through ingredient assays, particle size analyses, and liposome encapsulation efficiency tests. So as part of our ongoing research, we analyze every liposomal supplement we come across.

While we can't share the exact details of every liposomal product, we can give you guidance on some basic things to look for when determining the quality of a liposomal supplement.

1. Liposome Encapsulated Products Must Use Phospholipids Suitable for Making Liposomes.

In order to make strong, stable liposomes that can encapsulate nutrients and do not "break apart" too easily, it is important to use phospholipids extracted from purified sources that have a natural mix of phospholipids, including a high percentage of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Commercially available sources of phospholipids include soy lecithin, canola oil, and sunflower lecithin.

Many products are made with low-quality soy lecithin, which does not have the proper percentage of PC or PE to make liposomes. This type of lecithin is inexpensive and is typically used as a food additive. It should not be used in liposomal supplements.

The type of phospholipids used in a liposomal product is very important, and so is the quantity of phospholipids. For proper liposome encapsulation, it's ideal to have at least an equal amount of phospholipids and nutrients.

We have analyzed numerous commercial and homemade products, and found that many of them do not use a sufficient quantity of phospholipids for liposome encapsulation; they are merely emulsions.

An emulsion is simply a suspension of tiny droplets of one liquid in a second liquid. By making an emulsion, one can mix two liquids that ordinarily do not mix well, such as oil and water. An emulsifier like lecithin is used to stabilize the emulsion, which prevents the liquids from separating. When we refer to a "liposomal" product as an emulsion, we are referring to the fact that nutrients are simply mixed with a small amount of phospholipids or lecithin, and typically water. There are very few liposomes in emulsions, if any at all.

One key indicator of an emulsion is the amount of phospholipids or lecithin in the product. If the phospholipids or lecithin are listed as "Other Ingredients", and not quantified, it is very likely there is not enough material to create liposomes, even if the production process is otherwise appropriate.

Some companies choose to make emulsions and call them "Liposomal Supplements" because they are easy and inexpensive to produce. Whether they believe they have products that are legitimately encapsulated in liposomes is unknown.

It's important to note that if you take an emulsion that contains lecithin and a nutrient like vitamin C, you may see overall good results since both components are excellent supplements individually. You will not, however, experience the potentially exceptional results offered by products that use real Liposome Encapsulation Technology.

3. Liposome Encapsulated Products Must Be Protected from Oxygen.

Liposomes are a natural fit for water-soluble nutrients that are not otherwise bioavailable. But the process of making stable, quality liposomes is tricky. Liposomes are sensitive to things like heat and oxygen. The inherent stability (and in some cases instability) of the phospholipids and nutrients also play an important role in the overall stability of liposomal products. Getting all of these things exactly right, then assuring the liposomes and nutrients remain stable throughout the product's shelf life is key.

One way to enhance the stability of a liposomal product is through uni-dose packaging. Many of the liposomal products we have analyzed are stored in jars, plastic bottles, or even capsules within bottles. Opening the bottle to remove the product exposes the remaining product to heat, light and oxygen. This can be detrimental to the liposomes and can cause rapid degradation of the nutrients.

Uni-dose packaging protects the product from oxygen until moments before it's consumed, keeping it safe and effective throughout the shelf-life of the product.

4. There are Three Physical Signs of a Low-Quality Liposomal Product:

Consistency.
If the product is very watery, it is most likely due to an insufficient amount of phospholipids or the use of low quality phospholipids. If the product is a thick paste, it likely does not have enough water for the creation of liposomes.

Uniformity.
If the product separates into layers, it is a strong indicator the liposomal mixture is deteriorating. On the other hand, if there are noticeable lumps or the product feels gritty, it is a sign that the nutrients are coming out of the liposomes and forming crystals.

Size.
If the volume of the dosage is too small, there are not enough phospholipids and water to make proper liposomes. For example, 1,000mg of vitamin C and 1,000mg of phospholipids, along with the necessary amount of water for proper liposome formation, will fill a teaspoon (5mL). It is not likely this amount of material could fit into one or even two large-sized capsules.

The Bottom Line

There are a plethora of liposomal supplements to choose from. Some are great, many are not. In many cases, the price of the product will be reflective of the quality of the product. The cost of making high-quality liposomal supplements with superior raw materials, top-notch manufacturing equipment, and a sufficient amount of product testing is 2-3 times higher than the cost of making a typical dietary supplement (tablet, powder or capsule).

But the most important thing is finding liposomal supplements that work best for you - from a company you can trust.

LivOn Labs offers a 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee so you can try the Lypo-Spheric™ products for yourself. If you are not satisfied, at any time, return the unused portion - or even the empty carton - and we will refund every penny of the purchase price.